The Bayern Munich midfielder has seen rumors of his departure swirl in recent months as his contract negotiations have stalled. United, of course, in need of help in the center of the park, were interested.

But manager Pep Guardiola sounded determined to keep the German international home.

“Toni has one more year of a contract and Toni will remain there,” Guardiola said.

“I hope he can extend his contract stay with us because he is a very good guy, he loves his game. It is not just a job for him and I would like him to stay but I spoke with the player, with the club, and I gave my opinion. After that I am not the manager, I am just the trainer.”

Kroos, possibly in an intent to get things moving one way or another said he would be open to a move earlier in the year.

“It is not secret that the Premier League is a possibility for me,” he said. “But no one has come to any agreement with me and it will stay like this until the summer and in some time a decision will be made. It is also no secret that the Premier League is not a bad league.”

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said on Monday that he intends to keep Kroos.

“Toni Kroos is sure to play in a Bayern Munich shirt next year.”

Manchester United lost out to Bayern for another midfield target last summer, too.

At Barcelona, playmaker Thiago Alcantara did not see a regular place in the first team among Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas. United were odds-on favorites to add him to the squad over the summer.

Negotiations, however, broke down and Guardiola, familiar with Thiago from his time at Barcelona, pounced and signed him for Bayern.